CLASP's Charting Progress for Babies in Child Careproject links research to policy ideas and examples that support the healthy growth and development of infants and toddlers in child care settings. The project provides resources to help states make the best decisions for infants and toddlers in child care.

The foundation of the project is a policy framework comprised of four key principles describing what babies and toddlers in child care need and 15 recommendations for states to move forward.

In 2006, Delaware implemented a policy change that required 45 clock hours of training in child development for all relative care providers receiving child care subsidies. Each relative caregiver has up to a year to complete the training requirement. This change was made through language in provider contracts (not a regulatory change). The new training requirement was the result of concerns in the Child Care Administrator\'s office about the existing quality of care among relative providers and was in part informed by a failed attempt in the late 1990s to offer free, voluntary training and technical assistance to relative care providers. The voluntary system did not generate sufficient interest among the relative care providers.

Training is delivered by the state\'s CCR&R network, Children and Families First (formerly called Family and Workplace Connection), by contract with the state child care administration. The state uses federal Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) funds, including funds transferred to CCDBG from the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant.

Children and Families First uses the same curriculum content for this initiative that is required for licensed providers, although the material is condensed in fewer course hours. The curriculum is designed for providers at all levels and includes interactive training that reflects best practices. Additionally, the same qualified trainers provide the training through the state\'s professional development system, Delaware First. Technical assistance and linkages to community resources are also available by the CCR&R upon request. Topics covered in training include:

Child development

Understanding children\'s behavior

Health

Safety

Nutrition

Language and literacy

CPR/First Aid

Upon completion of the 45-hour training, relative care providers are eligible to participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Providers also receive small rewards, such as "goodie bags" that contain children\'s books, activity guides, child safety items, etc. donated by public and private partners. Training completion and provider satisfaction are tracked and measured by the state CCR&R. The state CCR&R finds that the greatest challenge is getting relative care providers to the training itself. However, once there, providers report high levels of satisfaction for the content as well as peer-networking opportunities and links to community resources.

In 2007, Delaware released a set of revised regulations for child care centers that made significant changes to program standards and caregiver practice. Delaware\'s center-based licensing rules had not been updated since the 1980s. In 2002, a baseline quality study was commissioned by the state. That study used the Environment Rating Scales to evaluate the quality of early care and education programs in the state, excluding non-licensed relative care. Among the findings released in 2005 -- only 30 percent of licensed settings in Delaware were rated as at least "good." An additional 27 percent were rated poor/dangerous, while the rest were rated mediocre. These findings spurred a focus on preservice training/professional development and curriculum that would be aligned with Delaware\'s new early learning guidelines for Infants/Toddlers and Preschoolers.

Improving the provider-to-child ratio for infants and toddlers and adding new group size limitations for the first time for all age groups, including infant/toddler care: The new provider: child ratios are 1:4 for infants under age one, 1:6 for younger toddlers ages 1-2, and 1:8 for older toddler ages 2-3. The maximum group sizes are eight for infants under one, twelve for toddlers ages 1-2, and sixteen for toddlers ages 2-3.

Requiring specialized training for early childhood administrators and early childhood curriculum coordinators serving infants and toddlers: Either the administrator or coordinator must successfully finish at least three college/university credits. The credits may be included in the 45 clock hours of training in infant and toddler development and curriculum that is required for administrators and coordinators in centers that serve infants and toddlers.

Improving health and safety practices with infants and toddlers: A center serving infants and toddlers must install approved safety gates at stairways where the infants and toddlers are located. Additional standards were added to sleeping accommodations for infants. To protect the health of all children, infants four months old and younger that have a temperature of 100 degrees or higher may not be admitted to a center and will be sent home even if there is no change in the infants\' behavior.

Strengthening food and nutritional standards for infants and toddlers: The revised regulations add to and enhance the nutritional standards that oversee the selection, preparation, and serving of meals to infants. For instance, juices may not be served to infants until the infant is able to drink from a cup in order to promote behaviors that help prevent baby bottle tooth decay. If a center requires that parents/guardians provide the meals for their infants, then the parents must be informed of the importance of sending meals that meet the same nutritional standards expected of centers, including the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Meal Pattern Requirements for Infants.

Ensuring smooth transitions for newly admitted infants and toddlers: Providers must work with parents to create a transition plan for newly admitted children. This includes exchanging relevant information about the child and assigning a primary caregiver to each infant or toddler.

Monitoring the developmental progress of infants: Centers must develop individual plans for each infant (under one year old) in care that identifies age-appropriate goals and specific activities and experiences to support those goals. Providers are expected to record any developmental milestones or concerns and to share these records with parents.

To implement these changes and provide support to providers, the state realigned Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) funds (including funds transferred from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant) to cover the cost of outreach, implementation, training, and T.E.A.C.H. scholarships. In addition, the state coordinated training and resources through the Delaware Department of Labor\'s early childhood apprenticeship program. The state\'s CCR&R conducted further outreach and training on the new standards to providers.

In December 2008, Delaware released new regulations for large family child care homes. Effective January 2009, the regulations include new preservice training requirements specific to infants and toddlers. In particular, the licensing rules require that:

If a provider has one or more infants/toddlers in a mixed age group, he/she must complete six hours of infant/toddler development training.

If a provider serves all infants/toddlers, he/she must complete 20 hours on infant/toddler development, curriculum, etc.

Licensed providers were allowed six months to come into compliance with the new regulations. To assist providers, the Office of Child Care Licensing held free informational meetings across the state to explain the regulatory changes and offer guidance.